Careers at Council

Here at Goulburn Mulwaree Council, you’ll be close to the action and can own your impact and make a real difference.

We’re big enough to be creating genuine change, but small enough for your work to be varied, hands-on and be visible and appreciated. Whether you’re from our region or join us from elsewhere, you’ll soon feel that personal connection. Because at work and at home, this is our community. Want to see your effort pay off, and know it actually matters?

You will have access to:

• An attractive commencing salary with an opportunity for increase in accordance with Council’s salary progression procedure
• Apply for flexible working arrangements and conditions under Council’s Flex First Procedure including access to an individualised hours agreement
• Generous reward and recognition programs and initiatives
• Salary packaging initiatives, including novated leasing 

You’ll find big opportunity and even bigger support here at Goulburn Mulwaree Council.

We’re passionate about nurturing potential and are proud to help you towards your career goals. You’ll find learning and development opportunities around every corner. You’ll also find leaders with open minds and open doors, and teammates who’ll help you every step of the way.

You will have access to:

• A supportive environment to assist you to reach your career goals
• Ongoing professional development and individual development plans
• Ongoing training and support through Council’s cultural development program
• Mentoring and coaching programs
• E-learning platforms and resources

Looking for a meaningful job and a healthier, more fulfilled lifestyle?

Building a great career shouldn’t mean sacrificing time for you, at Goulburn Mulwaree Council you can have both. Here, we know that balance matters and we invest in you.

It’s about managers who see you as a whole person, not just a worker. It’s trusted relationships with people who aren’t just passing through. It’s offering flexibility where we can, to help you achieve at work and at home. And it’s knowing that at the end of the day, you’ll be encouraged to switch off and go focus on life outside of work.

You will have access to:

• A suite of health and wellbeing programs offered each year
• Free vaccinations and health checks
• A supportive and inclusive workplace and culture where your opinion is valued
• A range of mentally healthy workplace initiatives and support from mental health champions
• Access to a confidential counselling service for you and your family
• Staff fitness initiatives

Additionally, our region offers a more relaxed lifestyle and a great sense of community. Click here to visit Goulburn Australia for more information about living and working in our region. 

Only applications received through our online application platform will be considered. As part of the application process, you will be required to submit the following two attachments:

1. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

This should include your contact details, a summary of your work experience (including position held, period of employment, and duties performed), educational credentials, professional experience, skills and qualities and referee contact details.

2. Candidate Capability Statement

Each position description contains both essential and desirable selection criteria, outlining the key skills, abilities, knowledge, experience, qualifications and work-related qualities necessary for the role.

Your Candidate Capability Statement should clearly explain how your experience, qualifications, and abilities align with the essential and desirable criteria of the role. Use specific examples from your work history to demonstrate your capability, focusing on achievements, responsibilities, and outcomes that relate directly to the position description.

This helps the selection panel understand your suitability and compare your strengths with other applicants.

It is recommended that this statement does not exceed two pages.

Receipt of your application will be confirmed in email via the online recruitment system. Please be sure to monitor your junk and spam email inboxes throughout the recruitment process.

Please Note: You must have the right to work in Australia to apply for a position vacant. Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Child Safe Organisation. We are committed to building a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, workers of all ages, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQA+ and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

All aspects of the recruitment and selection process are conducted in strict accordance with the principles of merit and equal employment opportunity.

The selection panel will shortlist the applications received, and select the applicants that will progress to interview stage.

Applicants successful in progressing to interview will be contacted by the convener of the selection panel advising of the interview location, date, time, and any other specifics. The details will also be confirmed in email via the online recruitment system.

Applicants unsuccessful in progressing to interview will be notified in email via the online recruitment system.

The shortlisting process usually takes up to two weeks from the closing date of the position, however, if there is a larger than expected number of applicants, this process may take longer.

Please be sure to monitor your junk and spam email inboxes throughout the recruitment process.

During the interview, a series of questions will be asked by the selection panel which are designed as an invitation for you to draw out relevant examples of your previous experience and assess your suitability for the role. In some cases, additional preparation may be required, which will be communicated when the interview is called for. You may also be subject to role related assessments.

Applicants deemed unsuitable following the interview will generally be contacted by the convener of the panel via phone and in email via the online recruitment system.

Any applicants deemed suitable following the interview will be contacted by the convener of the selection panel, confirming consent to contact nominated referees.

Applicants deemed suitable (and therefore the preferred applicant) upon completion of the referee checks, will once again be contacted by the convener of the selection panel outlining the next stages of the recruitment process. 

Prior to a formal offer of employment, the preferred applicant may be required to undertake pre-employment checks such as a medical and/or physical assessment to assess their ‘fitness for employment’ as per the job demands outlined within the position description. Some positions may require a NSW Working with Children Check or NSW National Criminal History Record Check to be produced prior to formal employment.

Once the above requisites are completed and the appointment is approved by the General Manager, an official offer of employment will be issued in writing, detailing the terms and conditions of employment.

Traineeships generally take between 1-2 years to complete depending on the qualification and may be available at GMC in areas such as:

• Business administration
• Customer service
• Waste management
• Records
• Water operations
• Community services
• Financial services
• Events management
• Art gallery services

Council currently has a position vacant of Water Operations Trainee, click here for more information. 

Apprenticeships generally take up to 4 years to complete depending on the qualification and may be available at GMC in areas such as:

• Mechanics
• Horticulture

To be eligible to apply for our work placement program you must:

• be a secondary or tertiary student seeking relevant unpaid experience
• be covered for public liability insurance by a recognised school, tertiary institution, or referral agency.
• have a copy of the Studying Institutions Public Liability Insurance
• complete the Work Placement Consent Form if student is under 18 years of age

Please complete the online application below. You will need an email address as all requests will be considered and the outcome will be advised via email, as soon as practicable. 

If your request is accepted, prior to placement you will need to:

• supply a copy of the Department of Education Work Placement Form completed by the student, the school and Goulburn Mulwaree Council
• supply a copy of any supporting documentation required e.g. White Card, Working With Children Check etc.
• attend a brief meet and greet with the Human Resources department to complete and exchange paperwork

On your first day, you will be required to undertake site specific induction prior to commencement of any duties.

Volunteering opportunities may be available in areas such as:

• library services
• art gallery services
• community services
• museums
• youth services

Each area of volunteering has a role description which outlines the general nature of the role, potential tasks to be undertaken, and identifies any physical requirements of the volunteer role.

Please contact Council on

(02) 4823 4444 or via council@goulburn.nsw.gov.au if you would like to learn more about each role.

Please complete the online application below. You will need an email address as all requests will be considered and the outcome will be advised via email, as soon as practicable. 

If your request is accepted, prior to starting your volunteering, you will need to:

• supply a copy of any supporting documentation required e.g. White Card, Working With Children Check etc.
• complete basic online induction training
• attend a site specific induction with the area on your first day of volunteering

Volunteer Placement Application(PDF, 162KB)

Your time as a service personnel has equipped you with the necessary skills required to succeed in Local Government. Ex-service personnel have unique and extensive skills portfolios in areas such as; leadership, teamwork, initiative, accountability and communication, which are just some of the skills that can be transferable into Local Government.

Your ability to see and understand the big picture clearly, makes you highly employable. However, if you don't understand what your own skills are and how they can transfer to Local Government, you are going to limit your chances of gaining employment.

Your ability to communicate your skills and attributes to an interview panel is paramount; the NSW Local Government Rank 2 Grade Guide and Local Government Capability Framework are two resource tools that were designed to assist both ex-service personnel and hiring managers to understand what transferrable skills are.

The Guide outlines the requirements of Council roles and how ex-service personnel experience can fulfil these needs at all employment levels, where the Framework sets out the essential knowledge, skills and abilities needed to work effectively in Local Government.

The scale and diversity of work conducted by Local Government means that there are many different career pathways available. Similar to Defence, Local Government's primary role is to serve its community, in order to achieve this Local Government requires a diverse and multi skilled workforce.

The Careers at Council website is an excellent resource for you to gain a great understanding about unique and diverse employment opportunities available within Local Government.

If you're looking to upskill or develop your skills further, Local Government is the best place to start to achieve your goals. Some of the benefits include:

• A supportive environment to assist you to reach your career goals
• Access to ongoing professional development and individual development plans
• Ongoing training and support through Council’s cultural development program
• Mentoring and coaching programs

Council’s EAP provider is Converge International. Converge International is a coaching and counselling service providing confidential and short-term support for home and work. Some of the support areas include; Career Assist, Employee Assist, Money Assist and many more.

Defence Member and Family Support has developed a ADF Member and Family Transition Guide which contains information on the transition process, as well as information on support services and administrative requirements. One of the support programs available is the Defence Force Transition Program.

This program has various workshops, training, programs and advice, which is designed to assist you, and your family, with your transition. Most of these programs can be accessed for up to 12 months after you transition, with some up to 24 months. You will need a referral from an ADF Transition Coach before you can access this program.

ADF Transition & Civil Recognition Project was established to undertake the work on aligning military skills and civilian qualifications. They will help you to understand what civilian employers want and how to express your service in a way that any employer can understand and value.

ADF Member and Family Transition Seminars are held throughout the year and are designed to help you and your family plan and prepare for life outside of defence. Remember: it's not just you who is transitioning out of defence, it’s your family as well, taking your spouse or family member to one of these transition seminars will increase your chances of a smooth and successful transition.

Meet Josh, our Coordinator Recycling and Landfill. Josh started at Council as a Waste Loader, hoping on and off the back of a waste truck. Climbing the ranks over a number of years, Josh has now become a leading hand at the Goulburn Waste Management Facility. Watch the video below for more of an insight into Josh's career at GMC.

What inspired you to work for Council, and what drew you to your current role? 

I was first introduced to the opportunity through HVTC (Hunter Valley Training Company), where I was hosted by GMC as a Business Administration trainee. As a third-party traineeship provider, HVTC connected me with the role, and it was actually the first job I applied for straight out of school. What really stood out to me was the people. I met the HR Manager early in the process, and from that point on, every interaction made me feel genuinely welcome and supported, even before I was offered the role. That positive experience left a strong impression on me and inspired me to pursue a career with council.

How has your career pathway evolved since joining Council?

Since joining GMC, my career pathway has developed significantly. I started as a Business Administration trainee, undertaking a Certificate III in Business Administration through HVTC, where I built a strong foundation in administrative skills and gained insight into how council operates.

I was then given the opportunity to take on a temporary administration role within the HR team, and that’s where I really found my passion and sense of purpose. This led to a full-time position in HR, where I continued to grow professionally, completing a Diploma in Human Resource Management, an Introduction to Return to Work Coordination course, as well as additional certifications such as Mental Health First Aid and Accident Counselling.

Since then, I’ve progressed into a senior role within the HR team and have recently stepped into a supervisory position, managing two staff members. I’ve also taken on acting opportunities across different areas of the team, including stepping into the Business Manager role for our unit, which has further broadened my experience and leadership capability.

I’ve also been fortunate to receive strong support from GMC to attend HR networking conferences, including events hosted by the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) and Local Government NSW, allowing me to stay connected with industry trends and continue developing my skills. 

Can you share an achievement you're particularly proud of during your time here?

Early in my career, as a trainee, I was selected as a finalist for HVTC Trainee of the Year. This involved a rigorous application and interview process, so it was a really meaningful recognition at the beginning of my journey. I’ve also been featured in HVTC’s alumni newsletters on several occasions, which has been a great opportunity to reflect on my growth over time.

More recently, in 2022, I was honoured to receive the Executive Excellence Award, which is one of the organisation’s marquee awards presented by the Executive team. That recognition meant a lot to me, as it reflected both my individual contribution and the support of the team around me.

In 2023, I also reached 10 years of service with GMC, which I’m incredibly proud of. It’s been a rewarding journey of continuous development, and those milestones together really highlight how far I’ve come within the organisation.

What do you enjoy most about working for Council and what keeps you motivated each day?

What I enjoy most about working for Council is the people and the connections you build across the organisation. I find it really rewarding to be part of both the positive moments such as celebrating achievements and recognising the best in people, as well as supporting staff through more challenging times.

I’m also motivated by the opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation. There’s always something new to learn or a better way to do things, which keeps the work interesting and engaging.

In my role, I have the chance to connect with many different areas of Council, from waste services to tourism, which gives me a really diverse perspective. That variety, combined with the ability to make a meaningful impact on people, is what keeps me motivated each day

How does your role contribute to the community and what does that mean to you?

In my role, I contribute to the community by helping facilitate employees’ entry into the organisation. For many, it’s the start of a new opportunity, and I’m often one of the first points of contact, helping create a welcoming and positive first impression of GMC.

This is especially meaningful when working with trainees, apprentices, and those just starting out in the workforce. Having begun my own career in a similar way, I understand how impactful that first opportunity can be. Being able to support and guide people at that early stage, and help set them up for a rewarding career, is something I find incredibly fulfilling and gives real purpose to the work I do

Can you share a memorable experience or project that made you feel proud to work for Council? 

One of my most memorable projects at Council was leading the introduction of GMC’s first Employer Value Proposition (EVP). My team and I worked closely with an external consultant and other internal staff to develop a suite of values, pillars, and messaging that highlighted why Council is such a great place to work. As part of this, we created photos and videos featuring our staff, which are showcased at careers expos and other public-facing events, giving people a real insight into a day in the life of a GMC employee.

This project was particularly meaningful because it wasn’t just about promotion—it contributed to the development of a broader retention and attraction strategy, helping Council continue to grow and support its people. Being part of something that positively shapes how the organisation is seen, both internally and externally, made me really proud to work here, and it’s something that my team and I continue to build on every day.

What do you think sets Council apart from other employers?

Council has really set itself apart for me, and I think the fact that I haven’t worked for any other employer in my adult life is a testament to that. What stands out most are the flexible working conditions, the strong focus on health and wellbeing, and the ongoing learning and development opportunities. These factors create a supportive environment where I feel valued, can grow professionally, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What inspired you to work for Council, and what drew you to your current role?

I first started at Council as a trainee in 1992. I had completed my first year at university and when I saw the advertisement for a traineeship at Council, it was too good not to go for. I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to be able to work for my local community while completing my studies.

The opportunity way back then was more than I could have imagined as it enabled to me to forge a career in my hometown as I worked my way through to my current role.

How has your career pathway evolved since joining Council?

Having started my traineeship as a cashier, I moved into Payroll after about three years. Nearing the completion of my studies, I moved into a more financial role as Senior Accounting Officer and then Manager of Finance before taking up the Director’s role in 2009. I have been in my current role since that time.

There are several major projects that have been completed of which I am particularly proud. When GST was introduced in 2000, it forced a major change in the way Council did business and there was a lot of uncertainty around some of the definitions in the legislation in relation to what was or wasn’t subject to GST and what needed to be included on tax invoices. As part of Council’s preparation for implementation, I developed an “issues database” containing well over 100 issues that needed to be addressed prior to the GST coming into effect. 

Not only did the database enable Council to successfully implement the GST into our systems, but Council was also able to generate some additional revenue by selling it to other Councils.

I am also very proud when I reflect on how we were able to bring the accounts of both the Mulwaree Shire Council and Goulburn City Council together following the amalgamation in February 2004. This was a big task and involved the preparation of two sets of financial statements for the 2004 financial year before our accounts were consolidated on 1 July 2004. The accounting teams from both Councils worked tirelessly to make it happen and I believed that it helped the two teams come together really well following the amalgamation.

The people I work with. I genuinely believe that we have a great team here at Council and it certainly makes it easier to come to work each day when you enjoy the company of the people around you.

As part of the Executive team, I like to think that my role plays a part in helping Council continue contribute to the community through its ongoing provision of services and improvements to the livability of the area.

Given that Goulburn is where I grew up and have now raised a family of my own, it means a lot to me that I can play a small part in seeing my hometown continue to thrive.

There are too many to mention. From large infrastructure projects to community events, Council has achieved so much that we, as an organisation can be proud of.

If I had to single one project out, I would say the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre. This project had been spoken about for many years and to see the former town hall transformed into the venue that it is today was amazing. I was lucky enough to attend the venue opening as Acting General Manager and the “buzz” around the venue that night would be very hard to replicate.

Meet Jane our Administration Officer. Jane started with Council over 9 years ago and has since gained valuable experience in various departments including customer service, planning and development, and human resources. Here at GMC we’re passionate about nurturing potential and are proud to help you towards your career goals. To hear more of Jane's journey, watch the video below.

What inspired you to work for council, and what drew you to your current role? 

My inspiration to work for Council is driven by great working conditions, career development and the many interesting types of work Council undertakes within our community. Seeing a new challenge and the opportunity to work in the safety area of Council, drew me to my current role. Safety has always been a big part of the positions I have held at Council, and it is an area of work that I thoroughly enjoy.

How has your career pathway/role evolved since joining Council?

The first role I held at Council was a Trainee Position in the Utilities Store as a Store Man. This 12-month Traineeship gave me a sound understanding of Council’s systems & structure, a Certificate II in Warehousing & Distribution and more importantly practical knowledge of a variety of tools, equipment and components used in the Water and Sewer section of Council. The valuable training and development I received as a Trainee no doubt helped in my successful return to Council as a Trade Assistant in Utilities where I went on to complete a Certificate III in Network Operations which took me from a Trade Assistants role to a Network Operators role. From my start in the Utilities section, I moved into the Assets & Operations section of Council which is where I spent the past 8 years. In my time in Assets & Operations, I have had great career progression and have held the following positions, Plant Operator, Team Leader (Maintenance Drainage), Construction Supervisor and the Contractor Supervision and Inspection Officer. Recently my career development has taken me on an exciting new path into the Executive Services section of Council where I hold the position of WHS coordinator.

Can you share a project or achievement you’re particularly proud of during your time here?

The rehabilitation of large sections of Windellama Road. This was a large project completed mostly by Council staff. Windellama Road is a major artery for Goulburn and regional residents travelling to the coast. Being able to improve road safety for road users and constructing a great road that will be used by future generations has been an outstanding achievement.

What do you enjoy most about working for Council and what keeps you motivated each day?

No day is generally the same, there are always new challenges to work through. I love the variety of work I get involved in. I gain a real sense of development as I’m constantly learning new things through training, mentoring and self-development. Being able to do all the above and have a great work life balance is what I really enjoy about working for Council.

How does your role at the Council contribute to the community, and what does that mean to you?

My role at Council contributes to the community by maintaining a visible presence across as many Council worksites as possible. Through regular site visits, I monitor workplace safety, identify potential hazards and opportunities for improvement, and work collaboratively with staff and contractors to implement safer work practices. This helps protect the health and safety of workers, contractors, and members of the public.

What this means to me? I take great pride and responsibility in the work that I do, and I am passionate about helping improve safety standards at Council.

Can you share a memorable experience or project that made you feel proud to work for Council?

In 2020 I helped organise a Council Movember team to raise funds and awareness for men’s health issues. The team raised over $11,000 dollars which was the most by any Council in Australia.

What do you think sets Council apart from either your previous jobs or other employers?

Council really cares about its staff and ensures all staff receive appropriate training for the work they undertake as well as ensuring staff are safe in the workplace. Additionally, Council offers great working conditions, a healthy work/life balance, career development opportunities, and access to employee support programs.

Meet Steph, our Business Manager of Planning and Development. Commencing with Council over 20 years ago and occupying a management role for a number of years now, Steph is a key example that pursuing a great career isn’t a lonely path. To learn more about Steph's journey at Council, watch the video below.

What inspired you to work for council, and what drew you to your current role? 

There was an opening as an Apprentice Plumber, this is a field I was always interested in. What drew me to my current role is that at the end of my apprenticeship there was an opportunity at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, I went out and met the guys and got a run down of how the plant operated and it seemed interesting so I decided to pursue an opportunity as a Plant Operator.

How has your career pathway/role evolved since joining Council?

I started at Council in 2010, working as an Apprentice Plumber for 4 years, then I became a plant operator at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. After that I was the Water Quality Officer and now I work as the Supervisor Waste Water Treatment.

How does your role at Council contribute to the community, and what does that mean to you?

The role we provide to the community is the protection of public health, by maintaining an efficient waste water system we are able to protect the environment and make sure that the residents of Goulburn have clean water ways and lots of clean water to use and maintain public green spaces.

Can you share a project or achievement you’re particularly proud of during your time here?

Commissioning the new plant in 2018 was a big one, it was a massive upgrade of the plant and a big leap forward in terms of technology to run the plant.

What do you enjoy most about working for Council and what keeps you motivated each day?

I enjoy the people, we have a good team out here. I also enjoy the role and the challenges that we face.

What do you think sets Council apart from either your previous jobs or other employers?

The people and the opportunity for growth, I have had four different jobs with the same organisation in 15 years.